ExportNZ supportive of TPP progress

ExportNZ is delighted by the statement made by the leaders of the TPP economies about their vision for the agreement and about their views on the pace of negotiations.

Leaders stated that their common vision was “to establish a comprehensive, next-generation regional agreement that liberalizes trade and investment and addresses new and traditional trade issues and 21st-century challenges. We are confident that this agreement will be a model for ambition for other free trade agreements in the future, forging close linkages among our economies, enhancing our competitiveness, benefitting our consumers and supporting the creation and retention of jobs, higher living standards, and the reduction of poverty in our countries.”

“This is an excellent outcome for New Zealand,” said Catherine Beard ExportNZ Executive Director.

“We need a high standard outcome from this agreement if it is going to be a stimulus for increased trade and economic growth in the participating economies.

“As recently as Saturday the Fairfax newspapers in New Zealand were questioning the potential worth of TPP. This statement from Leaders shows that they are indeed committed to a meaningful outcome.

“ExportNZ will be studying the details on the likely structure of TPP. A quick read suggests that this too is very encouraging.

“Finishing the TPP negotiation by the end of 2012 is a great goal to strive for. But given the US political cycle ExportNZ fully understands that there may be some slippage in finalising the negotiation. The key is a high quality outcome. ExportNZ is less worried about an early conclusion to negotiations than it is about the depth and comprehensiveness of the deal and the number of economies participating,” Catherine Beard concluded.